Matthew R. Callies

Orbiting Solitude

A globe of glass encases thought,

Air and heartbeat confined in silver rings.

Stars pass by like sparks of frozen fire,

Silent, indifferent, infinite.

 

Inside, the pulse is steady,

Measured, precious, defiant.

Breath clouds the visor, a small cloud

In the endless void outside.

 

Every reflection holds the Earth,

Blue and trembling, distant yet whole,

And every turn of the head carries

The weight of both gravity and wonder.

 

The helmet hums softly,

A life within a world beyond,

A fragile shield, a quiet miracle,

Orbiting solitude in the dark.